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A subcontract processing routing and acceptance form is used to control outsourced tooling operations such as EDM electrode machining, hard chrome plating, and nitriding. It defines part identity, drawing revision, CTQ requirements, supplier instructions, and incoming acceptance criteria before assembly release.
Value logic: A checklist provides structured acceptance and traceability, ensuring that special processes are accompanied by required documentation and physical verification.
A basic logistics tracker (Part/Qty/Date) fails to capture critical engineering data:
A high-standard routing form is more than a tracking sheet; it's a technical contract. Here are the 4 essential categories and 25+ critical fields your template must have.
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* Sample view of the editable Excel routing and acceptance workbook.
| Inspection Item | Requirement | Check Method | Reject Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification | Unique ID per CAD | Visual | Missing/Wrong ID |
| Burn Face | No visible defects | 10x Magnifier | Scratches > 0.02mm |
| Datums | ±0.01mm Flatness | Indicator/CMM | Out of Tolerance |
Hard chrome plating is often used for wear resistance or dimensional salvage. The key failure point is hydrogen embrittlement or masking leakage on functional fit surfaces. Always re-verify sliding clearances after plating.
1. Nitriding furnace chart (Time/Temp/Gas flow).
2. Hardness test record (HV0.3 or similar).
3. Certificate of Conformity linking to Part ID.
Verify hardness at 3 points; check for quench cracks; ensure tempering cycles are documented.
Inspect under high-intensity light; verify pattern consistency; check for "rainbow" edge defects.
Verify perpendicularity and parallelism; check for "burn marks" or chatter on functional faces.
Review Ra/Rz values; ensure no rounding of sharp shutoff edges or critical datum corners.
Using outdated CAD data for EDM or plating leads to immediate scrap of high-value components.
High-volume electrode sets or small inserts are easily lost without a serialized routing and quantity log.
Failure to define masking areas results in plating on fit diameters, requiring costly stripping or rework.
Without evidence of process compliance, the actual performance of nitriding or heat treat is unknown until failure.
Dimensional growth from plating or distortion from heat treat is not caught until final assembly release.
Handling damage during transport or processing goes unnoticed, causing flash during the first mold trial.
| Identified Failure | Common Root Cause | Routing Form Control Point |
|---|---|---|
| Process Deviation (Wrong Rev) | Reliance on verbal instructions or old email threads. | Mandatory Drawing Number and Revision field on release. |
| Dimensional Interference | Plating build-up on critical fit surfaces not accounted for. | Defined CTQ re-measurement after process completion. |
| Missing Technical Evidence | Supplier omits CoC or test charts; buyer fails to audit. | "Required Reports" checklist must be signed off by IQC. |
| Surface Damage / Scratches | Inadequate protection or masking during transport/handling. | Incoming visual inspection gate before parts reach the bench. |
| Shutoff Face Collapse | Over-exposure during nitriding or improper heat treat. | Specific masking instructions for sealing lands/shutoffs. |
Standardized incoming inspection is the final gate to prevent non-conforming parts from reaching the assembly bench or mold trial. Follow this 6-step SOP for every subcontracted batch.
Match the physical part count against the Packing List and PO. Confirm unique Part IDs or serialized laser markings match the routing form records.
Perform a 100% visual audit. Look for transportation scratches, rust, oxidation, or chips on sharp edges, especially on EDM electrodes and polished faces.
Use calibrated micrometers or CMM to re-measure defined Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) areas. Check sliding fits after plating or hole diameters after nitriding.
Audit the supplier's technical evidence. Ensure the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), hardness charts, and thickness reports meet drawing specifications.
Update the routing form with the final disposition. Conditional acceptance requires engineering sign-off for minor deviations that don't affect function.
If parts fail, initiate a Non-Conformance Report (NCR) immediately. Do not release failed parts to the bench Lead or assembly team to avoid downstream costs.
Official CoC linking the part ID, drawing revision, and the specific process performed to the supplier’s quality system.
Digital or physical measurement log (e.g., X-ray or micron gauge) confirming thickness meets the specified range.
Mandatory for nitriding or carburizing. Must show effective case depth and surface hardness (HV/HRC) values.
Furnace charts or certificates documenting temperature, soak time, and quench cycles for structural integrity.
Inspection of CTQ features after the special process to ensure zero distortion or build-up interference.
Evidence of control for Tier-2 suppliers if the primary vendor outsources specific sub-processes like coating or etching.
Tooling engineers confirm the Drawing Revision, CTQ dimensions, and masking zones. The routing form is attached to the physical parts and the PO before leaving the facility.
The external vendor reviews the instructions. Signing the form acknowledges they can meet the tolerances and will provide the required technical documentation (CoC/Hardness charts).
Upon return, the bench lead or IQC inspector verifies the parts using the "Acceptance Criteria" section. This is the final gate before parts are integrated into the mold base.
If parts fail, the "Non-conformance Log" captures the defect. The form travels back to the supplier with the rework instructions, ensuring a closed-loop quality record.
XLSX
Fully functional spreadsheet with auto-calculating fields for quantities and predefined dropdowns for QC status.
PDF
A clean, print-ready format designed for workshop clipboards. Perfect for manual sign-offs at the receiving dock.
Sample
See how a real-world mold component (Hard Chrome Plated) is documented, from CTQ definition to final sign-off.
Add-on
Supplemental criteria for EDM, Nitriding, and Polishing to ensure deep-dive technical verification.
If you are outsourcing EDM electrodes, chrome plating, or nitriding for mold components, the key issue is not the form itself. The real issue is whether CTQ features, protected surfaces, tolerance risks, and required return documents are defined before parts leave the shop.
It is a quality control document used by mold manufacturers to manage parts sent to external vendors for special processes (EDM, plating, nitriding). It tracks part identity, technical instructions, and final quality sign-off.
Essential fields include Mold Number, Part Revision, CTQ dimensions, specific process instructions (like masking zones), a checklist for required supplier documents, and an inspector's disposition section.
Suppliers must provide a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), plating thickness measurements, hardness test reports, and case depth certifications to prove the process met drawing specifications.
Focus on verifying the unique electrode ID, checking the burn faces for chips or oxidation under magnification, ensuring datums are clean, and confirming the profile matches the inspection report.
CTQ (Critical-to-Quality) features are high-precision areas such as shutoff faces, sealing lands, sliding fits, and datum pads that directly impact the final mold's function and part quality.
No. While a CoC provides evidence of the process, incoming inspection is mandatory to verify quantity, check for transport damage, and ensure physical dimensions weren't distorted during treatment.
Conditional acceptance is used for minor deviations that do not affect part function or mold life (e.g., cosmetic issues on non-functional faces), but it requires formal engineering sign-off.
Yes, this template is specifically designed for high-value mold components undergoing specialized external processes where technical traceability and CTQ protection are critical.